Securing news websites targeted for crime reporting¶
News organizations play a vital role in holding power to account. When they report on criminal activity, they often become targets themselves. Threats may include distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, website defacement, phishing attempts, or direct breaches of the content management system like WordPress. This post outlines how newspapers can secure their WordPress installations, what to do when hit by an attack, and how to build long-term resilience.
Understanding the threat landscape¶
News sites face unique risks due to their visibility and content. When a newspaper publishes stories about crime, especially involving organized groups or political corruption, those groups may retaliate. The goal is often to silence the journalist, discredit the publication, or disrupt operations.
The most common threats to WordPress-based news websites include the following.
| Threat type | Description |
|---|---|
| DDoS attacks | Overload the site with traffic to take it offline |
| Website defacement | Attackers modify site content or visuals |
| Plugin and theme exploits | Attackers use vulnerable code to gain access |
| Phishing and impersonation | Fake logins or domains used to trick journalists |
| Ransomware or data theft | Attackers encrypt or steal confidential sources or data |
How to secure WordPress¶
WordPress is flexible and popular but also a common target. Securing it for a news site requires several layers of defense. These steps focus on both technical and operational security.
Keep WordPress updated¶
Always use the latest stable release of WordPress core. Plugins and themes must also be updated regularly. If any plugin or theme is not actively maintained, it should be removed or replaced.
Use strong authentication¶
All user accounts must use strong passwords and two factor authentication. For WordPress, this can be enforced with security plugins like Wordfence, iThemes Security, or custom MFA setups using a reverse proxy.
Limit user roles¶
Only give admin access to those who truly need it. Writers and editors should not have permission to install plugins or modify site files. Use the principle of least privilege.
Install a web application firewall¶
Use a WAF like Cloudflare, Sucuri, or Azure Web Application Firewall. This protects against common attacks such as SQL injection, XSS, and brute force logins. Cloudflare also helps mitigate DDoS threats.
Monitor and log everything¶
Install security plugins that offer logging features, or connect WordPress logs to a centralized SIEM. Monitoring user behavior and file changes can detect breaches early.
Secure file permissions and server configuration¶
Restrict write access to only necessary directories. Disable file editing in WordPress with define('DISALLOW_FILE_EDIT', true);. Make sure the web server user cannot write to sensitive folders like /wp-includes/.
Host in a secure environment¶
Use managed WordPress hosting with strong security guarantees, or host on Azure using App Service with application gateway and firewall in front. In Azure, you can also isolate the environment using network security groups and private endpoints.
What to do when an attack hits¶
When the newspaper comes under attack, speed and clarity are vital. These steps help respond effectively.
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Identify the attack type. Is the site down, altered, or leaking data? |
| 2 | Take the site offline if needed to stop the damage. |
| 3 | Inform your hosting provider or SOC team immediately. |
| 4 | Preserve logs for investigation. Never wipe a hacked system before copying data. |
| 5 | Begin incident response steps. Patch the breach, change passwords, and restore backups. |
| 6 | Notify stakeholders, legal advisors, and law enforcement if needed. |
| 7 | Publish a public statement if the attack is public. Transparency builds trust. |
Long-term protection and resilience¶
Newspapers must treat cybersecurity as part of journalism, not just IT. That means building a culture of digital hygiene, secure sourcing, and awareness.
Consider these additional practices.
| Practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Regular backups | Daily encrypted backups stored offsite. Restore testing is also critical. |
| Penetration testing | Hire professionals to test your security at least once a year. |
| Security training | Train staff on phishing, passwords, and safe communication with sources. |
| Multi-region hosting | Use Azure Front Door or CDN to serve the site from global locations. |
| Incident response plan | Have a plan written and tested for what to do in different attack scenarios. |
Conclusion¶
News organizations cannot avoid attention from those they expose. But they can protect themselves. By securing WordPress, preparing for attacks, and adopting a security-first mindset, newspapers can continue their mission without fear. Cybersecurity is now part of journalism.